Here comes the rain, but sun’s back for weekend...

»»Parched earth gets a shower »»Highs of 26C set for return

PARCHED Ireland soaked up a few much-needed drops of rain yesterday but it looks like heating up again for the weekend.

Up to six millimetres fell in parts of the north east, the first showers seen since June 20, while just fractions of a millimetre landed elsewhere.

But scorched earth conditions continue, with a status yellow drought warning in place until lunchtime tomorrow.

Met Eireann predicted temperatures will reach 23C today before rising again tomorrow.

The forecasting service said: “Overall a lot of dry weather on Thursday with just an isolated shower.

“It will brighten up through the day with some sunny spells developing.

“Highs of 17C to 19C in many northern and western regions but elsewhere temperatures reaching 20C to 23C WET A RELIEF Brollies up yesterday degrees.” Irish people, excited to see the return of rain after a long absence, took to Twitter to express their glee.

One person wrote: “There’s a very, very fine light rain falling in Dublin. It’s dull, JUST BEACHY The sun is coming back it’s cooler, it’s grey – now it’s a proper summer in Ireland.”

Gardai and AA Roadwatch advised motorists to take care when driving as surfaces may be slick after the prolonged dry conditions. Forecasters said Friday will be warm and fairly sunny with the possibility of showers across the south in the afternoon and highest temperatures of 25C.

Saturday will reach the low to mid-20s, with the best sunshine in the east.

Atlantic coastal counties could see a little light drizzle in the morning.

Sunday will stay warm and sunny on the eastern half of the country with highs of 22C to 26C, with some rain or showers overnight.

The trend to the middle of next week will be for a lot of dry weather, with sunny spells at times each day, with just a few light showers.

There is a chance of some heavier outbreaks towards midweek,

Forecasters said temperatures will be in the high teens or low 20s generally, though higher in some places and with decent sunshine.